Bleeding Heart Flowers: An incredibly fragrant flowering plant.
Permanent herbaceous plants of the Papaveraceae family also include bleeding-heart flowers.
Corn Plant: How To Grow & Care
Dracaena fragrans (cornstalk dracaena) is a flowering plant native to tropical Africa, <!–more–> blooming in highlands at around 600-2,250 m (1,970-7,380 ft) in height. It also goes by striped dracaena, compact dracaena, and corn plants.
History
Corn was first cultivated by native Mexicans, some 9,000 years old. They employed many generations of selective breeding to change a wild teosinte grass with little grains into the nutritious Zea mays of today.
Corn Plant
The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a tropical African evergreen tree that has been popular as an inside plant in Europe since the mid-1800s—and in the United States since the early 1900s. It grows slowly from thick canes or stems that generate long, thin leaves that extend upward like corn stalks. They also resemble palm trees because of this emerging pattern, which is why they are frequently referred to as “false palms.” They make lovely houseplants due to their height and narrowness, usually reaching just 4 to 6 feet tall in pots.
Once you’ve set up the proper growing conditions for these plants, they don’t need much attention. Although you can usually put nursery plants inside any time of year, springtime is ideal for establishing new plants. If you have pets of any kind, avoid this plant because it harms both.
Corn Plant Overview
Common Names: False palm, dracaena, and maize plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant Type: evergreen, broadleaf, perennial herb/tree
Mature Size:15–50 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide outdoors; Outdoors, plants can grow up to 6 feet tall; container-grown plants can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Loamy, moist soil that drains well
Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5 (Acidic)
Bloom Time: Late fall and once more in late spring; night-blooming
Flower Color: White and yellow
Hardiness Zones:10–12 (USDA)
Native Area: Africa (tropics)
Toxicity: Toxic to cats as well as dogs
Types Of Corn Plant
Massangeana: The most common type has a pale lime-green line along the center of its leaves.
Lindenii: These leaves feature yellow margins rather than a stripe through the center.
Victoria: This variation is quite similar to ‘Massangeana’ in that it has a yellow stripe along the middle of its leaves, but it is smaller, broader, and almost triangular. Rarely does it appear in gardens.
Lemon Lime: The leaves of this type have white-yellow stripes around gray-green centers.
Limelight: This variety features glossy yellow-green leaves that mature to a lighter lime-green color.
Which Season Can You Grow Corn Plant?
For best results, plant maize in late April or early May. If a May freeze doesn’t injure young plants, a mid-April planting date offers a comparable yield when spring arrives early.
How To Grow Corn Plant?
To enhance germination, soak the seeds for three to five days in room-temperature water. In a small container of wet seed starting mix, sprinkle two to three seeds. Lightly coat the seeds with the seed starting mix. Cover the pot with transparent plastic wrap and place it on a warm germination mat. Under a grow light or bright, indirect sunlight, keep the soil temperature between 68 and 80 degrees Celsius. The soil has to be maintained somewhat moist. If the soil is excessively damp, the seeds might rot. Remove the plastic after you’ve observed some development (this might take up to four to six weeks). Once the seedling has natural leaves, transplant it into a 3-inch container filled with potting soil.
Corn Plant care
Corn plants usually grow as huge potted plants inside by home gardeners since they are tropical plants that require climate-controlled environments. These plants thrive in bright indoor settings free of direct sunlight, draughts, and air conditioning and heating vents. These plants also prefer high humidity levels.
Summer outdoor planting of maize plants is possible as long as they are placed in a sheltered, somewhat shaded area. Defend them against powerful winds. When the temperature drops into the 60s F, bring the plant indoors.
Pruning
The lower leaves of the maize plant will begin to yellow in two to three years, which is the natural lifespan of a leaf. Remove the fading leaves as soon as they become unattractive. Cut the tips of the canes if the plant gets too tall for where it is; fresh leaf buds will appear around the cut.
Propagation
Both procedures need the use of clean hand pruning shears, a jar of water, a container, and wet peat moss.
If head cutting, slice the plant’s top below the leaf line, including one node (round white bumps on the stem). Snip an 8-inch stem portion if stem cutting.
Put the cut end of the stem, with the other half exposed, in an empty jar filled with clean, ideally filtered water. Please place it in a warm, partly sunny location. Keep an eye out for root growth at the leaf nodes underwater and some leaf growth at the top end of the plant.
As the water evaporates, top it up every few days. Change the water altogether every other week to avoid algae and the growth of bacteria.
When the stem’s roots reach a length of more than an inch, pot the bottom end in moist peat moss, keep it in a warm, slightly sunny location.
You may also plant a fresh-cut stem cutting in damp peat moss and wait for new leaf development. It will most certainly root, but unlike the clear jar filled with water, you cannot observe the root development. Propagation is more successful when the stem is embedded in water. To increase the likelihood of developing soil roots, the cutting end can be treated with a rooting hormone.
Soil
Growing seeds of maize requires a loose, loamy potting soil mix. To increase the likelihood of developing soil roots, the cutting end can be treated with a rooting hormone.
Water
During the growth season (spring through autumn), keep the soil uniformly wet but not saturated. Reduce watering from late autumn through winter. Never, however, let the soil dry out. Plant health will suffer if the soil is excessively moist or too dry.
Fertilizer
Plants made from corn demand soil that is rich in organic matter. Use an equivalent amount of liquid fertilizer every two months throughout the growing season, and feed sparingly, if at all, during the winter.
Light
This plant flourishes in filtered sunshine, so place it near a window. Too little light causes the leaves to lose color variegation and may hinder the plant’s development. UV rays can cause the plant’s leaves to burn and wilt. Outdoors, the plant thrives in a shadier location.
Temperature and humidity
Corn plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit range. If you temporarily relocated your maize plants outdoors for the summer, return them inside before temperatures hit this level.
Pests And Diseases
Spider mites, thrips, and scale, which are common issues with houseplants, should be kept an eye on the plants. These plants can create damaged and sickly-looking leaves, and you may even detect little insects climbing around on the plant.
Common Problems With Corn Plant
The grain crop is a straightforward indoor plant to care for after the proper water, light, and humidity conditions are established. Additionally, it does not enjoy hot or humid environments or cold temps.
If one or more of these conditions are not satisfied for a lengthy period of time, the plant is likely to experience health issues.
Dry leaf Tips
Plants with little water or arid air may develop dry leaf tips and edges. For more humidity, use a humidifier or spray the plant regularly Increase watering but never let the soil become wet around the plant. Excessive plant-based nourishment or fluoride in the water can also produce yellowing tips. To avoid leaf tip burn, use pure water.
Sudden Loss of Leaves
A large amount of water and a lack of drainage might result in leaf loss or root rot. Ensure that the soil drains effectively and the plant’s container has multiple drainage holes.
Dry Patches On Leaves
These plants could get circular dry patches and streaks on the foliage if you set them in direct sunlight. Move the plant to a more sunny location.
Foul Aroma
If you observe the bottom portion of the plant darkening or smelling bad, it has soft rot, an infectious illness with no cure. The plant will start to appear and smell bad. It is not possible to rescue the plant; dispose of it.
Conclusion
The maize plant is a tall annual grass with a strong, upright stem. The broad, thin leaves are arranged alternately on opposing sides of the stem and have curved borders. The loop that joins the primary axis of the stem is where staminate (male) flowers are created.
References:
Vinca Minor Plant: Tips For Growing & Caring.
Vinca Minor is a trailing sub-shrub that forms enormous clonal clusters by spreading along the ground and roots along the stems, sometimes scrambling up to 40 centimeters (16 in) high but never twining or ascending.
American Beauty Berry: Best Medicinal Plant
Callicarpa Americana or American beautyberry plant is an access-habitat, native plant of the Southern United States that is commonly set as a decorative in gardens and yards. <!–more–> American beauty berries produce enormous clusters of purple berries that birds and deer consume, spreading the seeds.
History
The roots of this plant were utilized by Native Americans to treat rheumatism, fever, stomachaches, and diarrhea. Farmers used to break the leaves and lay them under the harnesses of horses and mules to repel mosquitoes in the early twentieth century.
American Beautyberry Plant:
Beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) is an evergreen tree native to the United States’ southern states. On average, it grows between 3 and 6 feet tall and broad, however; It has been observed to grow up to 9 feet tall. It grows slowly, adding 1 to 2 feet every year till maturity. It may be seeded in fall or spring.
While the bright green foliage (ovate, serrated leaves on arching stems) and flowers are unremarkable, the vibrant purple berries that grow in thick clusters are displayed. (White berries can be seen in some varieties.) The berries develop in late summer or early fall and can last into the winter, adding aesthetic interest to the environment and food for animals. The fruits are useful to both humans and animals, and some people use them to make jelly and other food items.
American Beautyberry Overview
Common Name: American beautyberry, beautyberry, French mulberry
Botanical Name:Callicarpa Americana
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Type: Shrub
Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
Sun Exposure:Full, partial
Soil Type: Loamy, clay, moist, well-drained
Soil pH Acidic: Natural
Bloom Time: Spring, summer
Flower Color: Pink, purple, white
Hardiness Zones: 6–10 (USDA)
Native Areas: North America
Types Of American Beautyberry Plant
American beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) comes in multiple varieties, including:
Alba: The white berries of this beautyberry bush are famous.
Lactea: This beautyberry has white fruits along with it.
Welch’s Pink: Pink berries characterize this plant.
Which Season You Can Grow American Beautyberry Plant?
You can grow American Beautyberry Plant from June – August month.
How To Grow American Beautyberry Plant
Beautyberry seeds germinate slowly and with some inconsistency. Begin with numerous sources to maximize your chances of success.
Harvest seeds from overripe berries in the fall. Leave them to air dry before storing them in a cold, dark space.
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours in the wintertime to soften the seed coat. Fill 4-inch pots or seedling trays midway with seedling mix. Slowly water it until the soil is evenly saturated.
Put around six seeds in each container and cover them lightly with sand
Place the planters indoors near a bright window. Make sure that it is always wet but not saturated. Germination may require as long as three months
Keep just the strongest seedling in each container and use scissors to remove the remaining seedlings. Pulling away the extra seedlings could damage the roots of the other plants
When the fresh beautyberry’s root system has filled the pot (when roots begin to grow outside the drain holes), it is ready to be moved outside.
American Beautyberry Plant Care
Because of their excellent fruit display, beautiful berry trees are beautiful enough to be used as specimen plants. You may also plant many of them as a boundary Plant beautyberry trees by placing the root ball slightly below ground level and covering it with the soil.
As long as you live inside Beautyberry’s growing zones, the surrounding soil and variables should be sufficient to create a strong plant. This plant is pest and disease resistant. And it prefers low upkeep, especially once established. Plan to water the plant during dry times and trim it as needed to retain the shrub’s shape.
Pruning
Beauty berry bushes are frequently trimmed as desired for form in the late winter before new growth begins because they blossom on new wood Beauty berry berries may survive the winter, bringing a splash of color to your winter environment. However, you ought to continue trimming, even if it involves removing certain berries because it will result in higher berry development in the future.
These trees are usually cut down within 1 foot of the ground each winter close to the northern end of their growing zones since the cold may render the old growth unattractive.
Propagation
The beautyberry plant will self-seed, and you may reproduce it by digging up and transplanting volunteer seedlings that appear around the plant. You can additionally produce the plant by taking cuttings in the late spring or early summer. This is a cheap and straightforward approach to growing more of a shrub kind you enjoy. This is how it’s done:
Cut a decent 6-inch long stem section. The use of aged, woody stems should be avoided.
Trim every leaf from the cutting’s lower half
Plant the cut end in a shallow pot that’s filled with damp soilless potting soil after dipping it in rooting hormone.
Please place it in bright, indirect light and cover it with a visible plastic bag to help preserve moisture
Keep the soil similarly moist but not soaked. You’ll know roots are maturing when you notice significant leaf development. Important root development might take two to three months. The new plant is then ready for the transplantation process.
Soil
Beautyberry plants require friable (crumbly) soil that is high in organic content and drains well. They additionally require soil pH that is slightly acidic to natural. This is similar to how they build on the forest floor They can, however, live in most soil types, including clay, with the exception of soil that is extremely low in nutrients.
Fertilizer
Unless you have severely lacking nutrients soil, these plants rarely require fertilizer. In the spring, a shovelful of compost can help Beautyberry thrive. However, too much fertilizer might reduce berry output.
Beautyberry trees flourish in either full sun or partial shade, preferring at least two hours of direct sunlight daily. They naturally grow on the outer edges of forest regions, where the quantity of sun varies. More sun will increase berry results. More sun, on the other hand, will increase the shrub’s thirst for water.
Water
These plants like moist soil, but they may survive moderate dryness. One inch of water each week is remarkable. However, if your plant is in a very sunny location, you’ve had hot weather, or there has been little rain, the plant will likely benefit from more water.
Temperature And Humidity
Beautyberry trees grow in all seasons and have no specific temperature or humidity needs. They can tolerate heat as long as their water requirements are maintained.
Pests And Diseases
The only known pests of Beauty’s berry are mammals that eat its berries.
They can, however, live in most soil types, including clay, with the exception of soil that is extremely low in nutrients.
Common Problems With American Beautyberry Plant
Beautyberry trees rarely encounter problems when grown in their preferred environment. Average growth, on the other hand, can be driven by a multitude of factors.
Conclusion
Callicarpa is a massive tree family with over a hundred species worldwide, the majority of which live in tropical regions. However, numerous species thrive in temperate climates and make an excellent complement to North American gardens The name Callicarpa is derived from the Greek words callos and carpos, which mean “beauty” and “fruit.”
References:
Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Plant: How To Grow And Care.
Common ivy, English ivy, European ivy, or plain ivy are all names for Hedera helix, a native plant that flowers in the Araliaceae genus.
African Violet Plants: One Of The Most Beautiful For Houseplants
Sometimes you think about which houseplant is beautiful for the house. your answer is here, African Violet Plants are One Of The Most Beautiful For Houseplant.
Lithodora Plant
The Lithodora is a small genus of flowering plants. The species name is also used as the common name of the most popular species Lithodora diffusa. It is a low-growing floral groundcover that looks great in rock gardens, next to walkways, and around flower borders.
Crimson Clover Plant: Planting And Growing Red Clover.
Crimson clover is a perennial legume and an imported winter annual At first look, <!–more–> the red clover’s leaves and stems resemble the crimson clover’s, but the red clover has rounder tips and more hair on its stems and leaves. Seedlings from the crown soon dispersed to form a rosette. This rosette grows as the environment does. In the spring, the flower stalks swiftly develop into tall, pointed conical flower heads with 75 to 125 florets. From the bottom to the top, vivid red florets open one after the other.
History
The Fabaceae family includes the species of flowering plant known as Trifolium incarnatum, sometimes referred to as crimson clover or Italian clover. It has been embraced by other countries, such as the United States and Japan.
Crimson Clover
Red clover is a perennial plant often used as fodder grass in many countries. The plant is not at all red. Therefore, the name is deceptive. It has green leaves and hairy stems, generates lovely pink flowers, and may reach heights of 2 – 3 feet and widths of 1 – 2 feet. It also produces spikes that are purple Red clover is regarded as a medicinal herb as well. Its blossoms, which have a volatile oil brimming with flavonoids, are used to make the medicine. The plant often starts to bloom in early spring and lasts through May.
Types Of Crimson Clover
Crimson Clover includes: ‘Dixie,’ ‘Auburn,’ ‘Autauga,’ ‘Chief,’ and ‘Talladega.
‘Dixie,’ ‘Auburn,’ ‘Chief,’ ‘Talladega,’ and ‘Tibbee’ are some of the crimson clover cultivars that self-seed (Duke, 1981; Knight, 1985). About a week before the final two, the initial three are developed (Knight, 1985).
Which Season Can You Grow Crimson Clover Plant?
The ideal time for cultivating red clover from seeds is between January and April and August and November.
How To Grow Crimson Clover
Put the seeds in a soil mixture that drains appropriately 1/4 inch deep. Additionally, you can scatter the seeds on the ground and lightly dust them with dirt. Maintain regular, even moisture in the soil, and keep the plant or location moderately shaded. You will see fresh expansion every two to three weeks.
Crimson Clover Care
Any soil with adequate drainage can support the growth of red clover, although sandy loam is ideal. It could perform poorly in soils that are very acidic or alkaline, wet, or loaded with clay. After being established, it thrives in damp, chilly environments. Autumn planting is frequently hampered in the South by lack of moisture.
Pruning
This plant may not require pruning, yet you may use the cut pieces as green manure to enrich the soil with minerals.
Propagation
To spread red clover, you may remove the spikes produced from the protective plant. This allows it to overgrow. Red Clover may swiftly grow and cover any open areas in your yard once it gets established.
A mature, healthy plant should have stolons that branch out at the base. Find one of those. It might have little, tresses-like roots and be below or above the earth. Use clean, well-kept scissors or pruning shears to start cutting the stolen away from the protector plant. Avoid pulling the mother plant out of the ground. It is a crucial phase in the process of developing red clover.
To accelerate the process, dip the cut portion of the stolen into the rooting hormone. However, you are free to omit this step if you choose. Please put it in a container with some potting soil that drains properly. Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunshine and give it plenty of water.
Soil
Red Clover may be grown in calcium-rich clay, damp soil, or rich sandy soil with excellent drainage. Add lots of organic matter and compost while planting to promote development. It prefers a pH level of 6 to 7.2.
Water
The best approach for cultivating Red Clover is in slightly wet soil. To do this, water the plant just when the ground above it begins to feel dry to the touch. Although it is a drought-tolerant plant, avoid letting the earth become completely dry.
Fertilizer
Red Clover often fixes nitrogen, so you might only need to feed it rarely if the soil lacks the required nutrients. Utilize an appropriate fertilizer once every 5 to 6 weeks, reduced to half strength. All you have to do to care for Red Clover while it develops properly is this.
Light
Red clover should be planted where it receives at least three to four hours of direct sunlight daily. Please protect it from the direct afternoon sun. Avoid planting it in a location that receives shade most of the day since it will produce few or no blooms.
Temperature And Humidity
For optimum development, red clover does well in a temperature range of 59-75 °F For 15-23 °C. For germination, the seeds require temperatures such as 60 °F or 15.5 °C. However, plants and seeds may survive as low as -8.3 °C or 17 °F.
Pests And Dieses
Red clover ailments include brown spots and powdery mildew. Fungal infections cause plants to wilt, become yellow, and wither in addition to harming the foliage’s health.
Watch out for bugs and spider mites among pests.
Benefit Of Crimson Clover
Benefit from nitrogen for succeeding crops, which in Michigan is typically between 30 and 60 lbs/A for stands planted in the autumn and removed in the spring: clean surface water, a rise in soil organic content, and a fall in soil erosivity. Use as a species for feed or pasture.
Negatives Of Crimson Clover
The cost of the seeds and the potential for winter death are the two primary disadvantages of crimson clover. However, the development of new types may soon provide a solution to both of these problems.
Disadvantage Of Crimson Clover
Clover is an invasive plant because of how rapidly and broadly its roots spread. The origins may infiltrate even your gardens as they spread out from the margins. A lawn with just clover may seem lumpy and uneven, while one with too much clover may appear patchy.
Conclusion
Red clover’s root system helps to build soil and prevents erosion. More water is applied to the soil, and nutrient release is diminished. Soils are created in preparation for later agricultural systems. Additionally, crimson clover draws minerals from deeper within the soil as a nutrient scavenger.
References:
Poa annua Plant
The Poa annua is often known as annual meadow grass, sometimes called annual bluegrass or simply Poa in America. The Poaceae family’s winter annual annual bluegrass has a yellow-green tint and forms clumps.
Turfgrass growth is common in temperate regions. As the name suggests an annual plant, there are
Bromeliad Plant
The Bromeliads are a family of monocot flowering plants with over 3700 recognized species with 80 Species. Its habitat is mainly in tropical America.
A few species also occur in tropical America and one in tropical West Bromeliads are plagued by scale.
